Derby County's League One promotion rivals' remaining fixtures ranked on toughness

By Dylan Oakley

Published 9th Apr 2024, 14:31 BST

Derby County have the easiest remaining fixtures of the top six

It has come to that point in the League One season when every fan is looking to see what their rivals are doing and how it effects the table.

Derby fans will be no different as the race for automatic promotion is so tight this season, meaning one result could change the entire picture.

The Rams currently sit in second place, just one point ahead of Bolton Wanderers and with the likes of Barnsley and Peterborough not far behind.

With that in mind, here are the League One top six clubs’ remaining fixtures ranked from easiest to hardest; it makes for good reading for Derby fans.

Derby have got very lucky with their remaining fixtures as they are all games that Paul Warne's side would expect to win. No game in League One is easy but with no more games against the top six, Derby are in a good spot. The last two games against Cambridge United and Carlisle United, two lower table teams, stand out as huge opportunities to finally secure promotion.

1. Easiest run-in: Derby County

Derby have got very lucky with their remaining fixtures as they are all games that Paul Warne's side would expect to win. No game in League One is easy but with no more games against the top six, Derby are in a good spot. The last two games against Cambridge United and Carlisle United, two lower table teams, stand out as huge opportunities to finally secure promotion. Photo: Andrew Redington/Getty Images

Peterborough United also have a fairly kind schedule with games against strugglers such as Port Vale, Cheltenham Town and Fleetwood Town still to play. They do however still have to play Oxford United which is a tricky fixture. The stand out game will come on the last day of the season though when the Posh face off with third-placed Bolton Wanderers.

2. Peterborough United

Peterborough United also have a fairly kind schedule with games against strugglers such as Port Vale, Cheltenham Town and Fleetwood Town still to play. They do however still have to play Oxford United which is a tricky fixture. The stand out game will come on the last day of the season though when the Posh face off with third-placed Bolton Wanderers. | Getty Images

Neil Collins' side will need an almost perfect run-in if they are to earn promotion. However, they have a number of tricky teams still yet to face such as Blackpool, Stevenage and Northampton Town. Plus the Tykes still need to play league leaders Portsmouth at Fratton Park; what can be considered the toughest fixture of the season.

3. Barnsley

Neil Collins' side will need an almost perfect run-in if they are to earn promotion. However, they have a number of tricky teams still yet to face such as Blackpool, Stevenage and Northampton Town. Plus the Tykes still need to play league leaders Portsmouth at Fratton Park; what can be considered the toughest fixture of the season. Photo: Bruce Rollinson

Oxford United have climbed back into the playoff places over the past couple of weeks, but staying there might not be an easy task. Des Buckingham's side have three very tough fixtures against playoff contending rivals still to play with the likes of Peterborough, Stevenage and in form Lincoln City remaining on the fixture list. Three tough games in their last four of the season.

4. Oxford United

Oxford United have climbed back into the playoff places over the past couple of weeks, but staying there might not be an easy task. Des Buckingham's side have three very tough fixtures against playoff contending rivals still to play with the likes of Peterborough, Stevenage and in form Lincoln City remaining on the fixture list. Three tough games in their last four of the season. | Getty Images

League One Promotion Reading Peterborough Barnsley Bolton Wanderers

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